The Crucifixion by Jan Van Eyck, one of the most important paintings in the collection that previously belonged to Baron Giorgio Franchetti. The small panel made in the Van Eyck workshop, under the supervision of the Master, was probably taken from one of the great artist's original drawings. The full autography of the work is still the subject of discussion and studies today. The small dimensions extraordinarily enhance the miniaturistic talent of the Flemish painter and his close collaborators. The Crucifix is perfectly central to the scene. Below, the Mother and St. John the Evangelist presented in deep sorrow, but composed, and not pervaded by despair like the group of women behind the Virgin. In the background, the idealized city of Jerusalem is represented down to the smallest detail. On the right is a group of knights who, indifferent, are leaving the place of execution to return to the city walls. Van Eyck's 'Ideal Jerusalem' bears a striking resemblance to Sana'a, the capital of Yemen. Incredibly, Sana’a is also surrounded by walls with the same typical tower-houses, and is divided into three districts (Arab, Turkish and Jewish). It cannot be excluded that the Flemish master was inspired by designs of the Yemeni city coming along the trade routes to and from the East.